We are continually improving the quality of our text archives. Please send feedback, error reports,
and suggestions to archive_feedback@nytimes.com.

A version of this archives appears in print on May 24, 1878, on Page 1 of the New York edition with the headline: DEMOCRATIC DEFEAT ON THE ARMY.; AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARMY APPROPRIATION BILL FIXING THE MAXIMUM STRENGTH AT 25,000 INSTEAD OF 20,000 ADOPTED IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. Order Reprints|Today's Paper|Subscribe